After our meeting with Attorney Frazier, I didn’t talk to Chloe about the custody issue again. It was as if I’d completely distanced myself from the situation, patiently waiting for the court proceedings. I kept my focus on Noah, trying to be the best father I could, even under these circumstances.
But much to my surprise, she approached me one morning as I was finishing my workout session.
“Hi…” she greeted, her tone cordial. It was the first time in a while I’d heard her sound so… neutral.
She wasn’t in gym clothes, so she clearly hadn’t come to join my workout. What could she possibly want?
“Hi, Chloe,” I replied, my breath shaky. I slowed the treadmill to give her some attention without stopping entirely. I wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation, but I knew it was unavoidable.
She sat on the weight bench and crossed her legs, her expression unreadable. “Can I ask you a sincere question, Kevin?”
“You’re already doing that,” I replied tersely.
“I’m not playing games, Kevin,” she said, her voice tinged with hurt. But I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to go easy on her until she came to her senses. I was done with the mind games, the back and forth, the never-ending arguments.
“Neither am I. So, just get on with it.”
I turned off the treadmill and rolled a gym ball over to sit on. I could still do something less energy-demanding while listening to her.
“Are you really of the opinion that we can’t raise our son together as a family? Just the three of us? Let’s say Licia isn’t in the picture.”
“Why are you asking the obvious?” I snapped. “I’ve explained to you, as politely as I could, that I don’t have any feelings for you. Licia has always been in the picture and will always be. There’s no way around that.”
“Okay…” she mumbled.
“Is that all?”
“Not really. I was only asking because of an offer I received from a modeling agency in Miami.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
“I have to send my response before midnight today, so I wanted to make sure there was nothing here I’d regret leaving behind.
In light of that, there’s no point in fighting with you anymore. Noah can live with you, and I’ll see him when I want to.”
A grin spread across my face. “Are you serious? You’ve finally come around?”
She chuckled dryly. “It’s better to have you as my son’s father than my enemy.”
“Thanks, Chloe. I don’t have any issues with that arrangement. You’re free to see Noah whenever you want. I can promise you that. So, it took a modeling contract to convince you?” I added with a playful tone.
A few moments ago, I had no intention of making jokes, but now I was smiling from ear to ear, teasing her.
“On the contrary, I was just tired of fighting with you. The contract was an added bonus, something to strengthen my resolve. I would have loved to raise Noah with you, but we don’t always get what we want.”
“We certainly don’t. When are you leaving?”
“In two weeks. You won’t have to deal with me for much longer.”
“I’m not trying to force you out. I’m sorry if my actions suggested otherwise.” The last thing I wanted was any more misunderstandings or resentment, so I treaded carefully.
“You don’t have to explain or apologize. I understand perfectly. I just wanted to let you know, so I’ll leave you to it.”
“Thanks for saving us both the trouble. I mean it.”
She smiled weakly. “It’s fine.”
***
